Articles
Why New York Knicks Might Look To Trade Julius Randle This Offseason
Apr
New York Knicks forward Julius Randle has been working hard to recover from a shoulder injury in hopes of returning for the 2024 NBA playoffs. However, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, he will undergo season-ending surgery on his right shoulder.
Doctors advised Randle against playing further this season due to continued instability in his shoulder, deeming it unsafe. He is expected to be back in action around the start of the 2024-25 season in October.
Despite the setback, Randle has had an impressive season, averaging 24.0 points on 47.2% shooting, 9.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 35.4 minutes per game over 46 appearances. He earned his second consecutive All-Star selection and would have been a strong contender for another All-NBA team if not for falling short of the new 65-game eligibility requirement. Given his performance, it’s clear that Randle is a cornerstone player whom the Knicks should prioritize building around in the future.
As Julius Randle approaches the final guaranteed year of his contract at $30.3 million, his future with the New York Knicks remains uncertain. He holds a $32.4 million player option for the 2025-26 season, which he’s expected to decline, making him an unrestricted free agent. This opens up the possibility for Randle to explore lucrative offers in free agency, potentially exceeding the value of his current contract.
While Randle could be eligible for a four-year, $190.2 million extension with the Knicks this summer, the team’s willingness to offer such a deal is not guaranteed. Additionally, other key players like Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby are also facing important contract decisions, adding further complexity to the Knicks’ offseason plans.
Ultimately, Randle’s impending free agency presents a significant decision point for both him and the Knicks, with potential ramifications for the team’s roster and future direction.
As of the present, the New York Knicks’ financial situation is relatively favorable after the 2024-25 season. However, re-signing players like OG Anunoby, Julius Randle, and Jalen Brunson to new deals would impact the team’s salary cap flexibility. Unless at least two of these key players depart, the Knicks would not have significant cap space to pursue major free agents in 2025.
Given this constraint, the most viable avenue for the Knicks to bolster their roster appears to be through substantial trades. By exploring trade opportunities, the team can seek to enhance its roster composition and address any areas of need without relying solely on free agency.
If the New York Knicks are unable to secure an extension for Julius Randle this offseason, he becomes a prime candidate for trade consideration, especially if the team aims to acquire star players. Jalen Brunson is unlikely to be moved, and OG Anunoby cannot be traded until at least December 15th if he re-signs with the team this summer.
Pairing Randle’s $30.3 million contract with Bojan Bogdanovic’s $19 million lightly guaranteed deal could give the Knicks approximately $50 million in outgoing salary. This flexibility would enable them to absorb contracts of significant value from other teams, facilitating potential blockbuster trades to strengthen their roster.
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